U.S. patent application number 13/859584 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jerome A. Legerton. Invention is credited to Jerome A. Legerton.
Application Number | 20130278887 13/859584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49379820 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130278887 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Legerton; Jerome A. |
October 24, 2013 |
EYE-WEAR BORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION REFRACTIVE THERAPY
Abstract
An eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy
system can comprise an electromagnetic radiation source comprising
a ring of LEDs that directs one of its on axis or off axis
electromagnetic radiation to a desired peripheral retina area of a
wearer's eye; a power source for powering the LEDs, an antenna for
receiving signals and a processor for controlling the LEDs; wherein
the electromagnetic radiation source includes spectral
characteristics similar to outdoor light.
Inventors: |
Legerton; Jerome A.; (San
Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Legerton; Jerome A. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49379820 |
Appl. No.: |
13/859584 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61635712 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 3/0008 20130101;
G02C 7/049 20130101; G02C 2202/24 20130101; G02C 11/00 20130101;
G02C 7/086 20130101; A61N 2/004 20130101; G02C 7/04 20130101; G02C
11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/158 |
International
Class: |
G02C 11/04 20060101
G02C011/04; G02C 7/04 20060101 G02C007/04 |
Claims
1. An eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy
system, comprising: an electromagnetic radiation source comprising
a ring of LEDs that directs one of its on axis or off axis
electromagnetic radiation to a desired crystalline lens or retina
area of a wearer's eye; a power source for powering the LEDs; an
antenna for receiving signals; and a processor for controlling the
LEDs.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
source includes at least one spectral property present in solar
radiation.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
source is configured to vary at least one of: (i) the amplitude of
the radiation, (ii) the wavelength or spectral properties of the
radiation, (iii) the direction of the radiation, and (iv) the area
of the ocular components of the eye which are exposed to the
radiation.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
source includes spectral characteristics present in outdoor
light.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the eye-wear borne
electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy system comprises a
contact lens.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
source is directed through the lens to a pre-determined retina area
of a wearer.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
source is programmable with respect to direction, illumination,
crystalline lens area, retinal area, amplitude, wavelength, and/or
spectral property.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the contact lens comprises
reflective optics or folded reflective optics in the lens for the
purpose of gathering light and directing the light to modulate the
electromagnetic radiation properties at a predetermined area of the
crystalline lens or a predetermined area of the wearer's
retina.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the optics include at least one
reflective collector that collects ambient light and directs it
toward a transreflective diffuser.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the transreflective diffuser
transmits ambient light and reflects forward light from the
reflective collector.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein on axis peripheral light is
also collected and directed through the wearer's pupil.
12. The system of claim 5, wherein the contact lens comprises a
prismatic light collection in the contact lens.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the prismatic light collection
comprises a ring of deck prisms.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the eye-wear borne
electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy system comprises a
spectacle lens.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the spectacle lens comprises
deflective optics in the lens to direct a portion of the on axis or
off axis light for the purpose of gathering light and directing the
light to modulate the electromagnetic radiation properties at a
predetermined area of the crystalline lens and/or a predetermined
area of the wearer's retina.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the spectacle lens includes a
frame comprising a power source for powering the LEDs, antenna and
processor.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the spectacle lens comprises at
least one transreflective element that transmits ambient light and
reflects projected electromagnetic radiation from an off axis
projection source toward wearer's eye.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the spectacle lens comprises at
least one holographic reflector in the spectacle lens.
19. The system of claim 14, wherein the spectacle lens comprises
birefringent spectacle lens optics, for the purpose of gathering
light and directing the light to modulate the electromagnetic
radiation properties passing through the lens and falling on a
predetermined area of the crystalline lens and/or the retina.
20. The system of claim 5, wherein the contact lens comprises fiber
optics for the gathering light and directing the light to modulate
the electromagnetic radiation properties at a predetermined area of
the crystalline lens and/or falling on a predetermined area of the
retina.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/635,712 filed Apr. 19, 2012, the content
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to refractive
therapy, and more particularly, to devices and methods for eye-wear
borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Refractive correction is achieved through use of spectacle
lenses, contact lenses, corneal refractive surgery and intraocular
lens implantation. Contact lenses have evolved from
non-gas-permeable rigid lenses which contact the sclera and vault
the cornea to corneal contact lenses made of gas permeable
products, and then to corneal-scleral contact lenses made of
hydrogel materials. Hybrid lenses were created to provide the
improved optics of rigid lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.
Hybrid lenses were configured to have a central rigid zone joined
at a radial junction to a peripheral hydrogel zone. Composite
lenses have a full soft layer and those having only an annulus of
soft posterior to the rigid layer have been anticipated.
[0004] Hybrid lenses of this configuration enjoy commercial success
with limitations due to the separation of the two materials at
their radial junction, lens flexure and tear stagnation due to a
circumferential sealing of the lens against the underlying eye.
Advanced manufacturing processes and ultra high gas permeable
materials have stimulated a resurgence of fully rigid scleral lens
designs.
[0005] Rigid, soft and composite lenses have been used or
envisioned for corneal reshaping or corneal refractive therapy.
Corneal refractive therapy appears to have value in changing the
optics of the cornea with a concomitant benefit in regulating the
development of the refractive error of the eye. Recent research
points to the role of light or illumination in the regulation of
the development of refractive errors of the eye.
[0006] Smith and co-workers reported results of exposure of the
eyes of primates to peripheral illumination as an opposite to form
deprivation and found that eyes having peripheral retinal
illumination exposure experienced less axial length growth than
those having a lower level of illumination. (E. L. Smith III, L.
Hung and J. Huang, Protective Effects of high ambient lighting on
the development of form-deprivation myopia in rhesus monkeys, Iovs,
December 2011, http://www.iovs.org/content/53/1/421.abstract).
Further, they found these effects to be regional indicating the
possible specificity of peripheral illumination.
[0007] Pugh and co-workers are developing technology for the
incorporation of electronics in contact lenses. (See U.S. Patent
Publication Nos. 2010/0110372, 2010/0109175, 2010/0103369,
2010/0079724, 2010/0078838, 2010/0078837 and 2010/0076553). The
primary focus of these electronics is for directing information
content to the central retina and for sensing ocular information
including correlates to blood sugar levels and intra-ocular
pressure. A number of other applications can be anticipated
including the measure of inflammatory mediators in the tear film
and intra-ocular blood pressure, and equivalent oxygen percentage
requirements of the cornea. Pugh and co-workers have anticipated
the potential to manufacture lenses with microcontrollers and
energy sources.
[0008] Tieppo and co-workers have developed nano-particle
technology for the purpose of sustained drug delivery to the eye.
(A. Tieppo, C. J. White, A. C. Paine, M. L. Voyles, M. K. McBride,
M. E. Byrne, Sustained in vivo release from imprinted therapeutic
contact lenses, Journal of Controlled Release, October 2011). It is
anticipated that the measure of intra-ocular pressure will be
coupled with the drug delivery. In the same manner, the measure of
blood sugar by way of a contact lens is anticipated to be used to
regulate implanted insulin pumps. Further, the measurement of
inflammatory mediators can be used to regulate the administration
of anti-inflammatory agents in a lens, orally or by way of
implanted pumps. The use of contact lens measuring systems coupled
to pharmaceutical delivery provides value in regulating a wide
range of systemic and ocular conditions.
[0009] The increase in incidence and resultant prevalence of myopia
in the developed world and most particularly in Asia presents a
problem of epidemic proportion. The changes in life-style, living
conditions and activity preferences often prevent the ability to
engage in outdoor activities. Educational, vocational and
avocational demands and habits generate a set of circumstances
which replace the available time for exposure to ambient outdoor
light. Further, the needs to conserve energy indoors may have an
ongoing effect in reducing the ambient light levels inside homes
and buildings.
[0010] Research supports that the mechanism for the development of
refractive error is multivariate. As such, preventive therapeutic
strategies are anticipated which incorporate multiple therapeutic
components.
[0011] At least two ocular components are known to change as part
of refractive error development. The first is the crystalline lens
geometry and the second is the vitreous chamber depth of the eye.
In the normal process these anatomic components change in concert
with each other to render the optical system of the eye appropriate
for the vitreous chamber depth of the eye. It is also known by
those skilled in the art that the equatorial diameter of the eye
may vary relative to the axial length of the eye. Eyes which
manifest myopia are often found to be more prolate in geometry and
having an equatorial diameter which is smaller relative to their
axial length than eyes manifesting hyperopia.
[0012] Researchers have identified the presence of a lower blood
serum level of Vitamin D in individuals who develop myopia. (D. O.
Mutti, Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and group-specific component
(Vitamin D binding protein) polymorphisms in myopia, The
Association for Research in vision and Ophthalmology, February
2011). A local release of neutraceuticals using time release
nano-technology in a contact lens may have value when coupled with
eye-wear borne illumination.
[0013] Chia et al. advanced the application of the use of
muscarinic antagonists with their discovery of the efficacy of
0.01% atropine as contrasted with higher dosages having adverse
side effects in children. (A. Chia, W. Chua, Y. Cheung, W. Wong, A.
Lingham, A. Fong and D. Tan, Atropine for the treatment of
childhood myopia, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2011). The
chronic need for the pharmaceutical suggests the value of time
release in a contact lens and may have value when coupled with
eye-wear borne illumination.
[0014] The role of peripheral defocus and peripheral illumination
are believed to have an influence on the local growth factors which
influence the shape of the crystalline lens, the equatorial
diameter and the axial length of the eye.
[0015] Neitz et al. have developed a method and apparatus for
limiting the growth of eye length. (See U.S. Patent Publication No.
2011/0313058). Although Neitz teaches the importance of wavelength
modulation, the intervention is limited to filters that filter red
light. (See, e.g., claim 17). Such filters fail to modulate
brightness above an ambient level.
[0016] The work of Wildsoet in 2002 provided early evidence to the
importance of light (including the wavelength of the light) for
limiting the growth of eye length. (See C. Wildsoet, Recent
insights from animal myopia research, BejingSeminar, November
2002).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and
methods for eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive
therapy. Eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive
therapy for refractive error development regulation can be achieved
by way of the incorporation of peripheral electromagnetic radiation
sources which can be configured in a directional manner and can
vary in the area, spectral properties and the amplitude of the
radiation. Various embodiments provide direct electromagnetic
radiation to the retina in a controlled manner without the reliance
on the ambient light. Depending on the embodiment, this may be
achieved with or without the concomitant provision of vision
correction or corneal refractive therapy and with or without the
use of spectral filters, and with or without the use of contact
lenses.
[0018] Various embodiments of the present invention set forth
spectacle frame and spectacle and contact lenses having
electromagnetic radiation modulating components for the purpose of
regulating the change in the ocular components which result in the
presence or absence of refractive error. While the prior art
(Neitz) teaches filtering red light, embodiments of the invention
teach radiating with the blue end and near-visible short wavelength
ultraviolet light.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an
eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy system
comprises: an electromagnetic radiation source comprising a ring of
LEDs that directs one of its on axis or off axis electromagnetic
radiation to a desired retina area of a wearer's eye; a power
source for powering the LEDs, an antenna for receiving signals and
a processor for controlling the LEDs; wherein the electromagnetic
radiation source includes spectral characteristics present in
outdoor light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a contact lens with an electromagnetic
radiation source comprising a ring of LEDs that directs one of its
on axis or off axis electromagnetic radiation to a desired retina
area of a wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a contact lens having at least one
electromagnetic radiation source that is directed through the
crystalline lens to a pre-determined retinal area of a wearer, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a contact lens including reflective
optics or folded reflective optics in the lens for the purpose of
gathering light and directing the light to increase the
illumination level passing through the crystalline lens and falling
on a predetermined area of the retina, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a contact lens having a prismatic light
collection in the contact lens, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a spectacle lens having deflective optics
in the lens to direct a portion of the on axis or off axis light to
a desired peripheral retinal level, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a spectacle lens within a frame, wherein
the spectacle lens features an electromagnetic radiation source
comprising a ring of LEDs that directs one of its on axis or off
axis electromagnetic radiation to a desired retina area of a
wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a spectacle lens having at least one
transreflective element that transmits ambient light to a wearer's
eye and reflects projected electromagnetic radiation from an off
axis projection source toward wearer's eye, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a spectacle lens including at least one
holographic reflector in the spectacle lens, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a spectacle lens comprising birefringent
spectacle lens optics, for the purpose of gathering light and
directing the light to increase the illumination level passing
through the crystalline lens and falling on a predetermined area of
the retina in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a contact lens comprising fiber optics
for the purpose of gathering light and directing the light to
increase the illumination level passing through the crystalline
lens and falling on a predetermined area of the retina, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be
described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used
herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the
embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents.
Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0031] Embodiments of the invention provides an electromagnetic
radiation system configured on or within a contact lens, or remote
from a lens, which includes at least one electromagnetic radiation
source that is directed toward the retina or passes through the eye
off of the visual axis. The electromagnetic radiation sources may
be light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes,
light reflecting from volumetric holographic reflectors or
transflective films or light directed by way of birefringence,
fiber optics, deflection, or reflection. The electromagnetic
radiation system is configured to vary at least one of: (i) the
amplitude of the radiation, (ii) the wavelength or spectral
properties of the radiation, (iii) the direction of the radiation,
and (iv) the area of the ocular components of the eye which are
exposed to the radiation.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention
comprises a contact lens 10 including an "on" axis and an "off"
axis. In particular, the contact lens 10 includes an
electromagnetic radiation source 20 comprising a ring of LEDs that
directs one of its on axis or off axis electromagnetic radiation to
a desired crystalline lens area and/or a retina area of a wearer.
The contacts lens 10 further comprises power source 30 for powering
the LEDs, an antenna 40 for receiving signals and a
controller/processor 50 for controlling the LEDs. By way of
example, the LEDs may comprise Semprius LEDs. The contact lens 10
is understood to be a lens which is in contact with ocular tissue
and may comprise a corneal contact lens, a scleral contact lens, a
hybrid or composite contact lens, an intra-corneal lens or an
intra-ocular lens.
[0033] With further reference to FIG. 1, the electromagnetic
radiation source 20 is designed to have spectral characteristics
present in outdoor light. One such electromagnetic radiation source
20 could be omni-directional and placed in the contact lens 10, as
depicted. The electromagnetic radiation source 20 can be circular,
as shown, or can be any other geometric form. In addition, the
source 20 may be varied in its position or width. In this
configuration, the electromagnetic radiation is expected to have
undesired effects on the contrast ratio of an image falling on the
central retina. An additional disadvantage is the cosmetic effect
of the appearance of the forward electromagnetic radiation from the
contact lens 10. A further embodiment is configured to limit the
electromagnetic radiation source 20 to a direction toward the
wearer's eye.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a contact lens 60 having at least one
electromagnetic radiation source 70 that is directed through the
crystalline lens to a pre-determined crystalline lens area and/or a
retinal area of a wearer. The electromagnetic radiation source 70
is programmable with respect to direction, illumination,
crystalline lens area and/or retinal area, amplitude, wavelength,
and/or spectral property. Alternatively, the electromagnetic
radiation source 70 may include a predetermined direction,
illumination, crystalline lens area and/or retinal area, amplitude,
and/or wavelength/spectral character.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a contact lens 100 including reflective
optics or folded reflective optics in the lens for the purpose of
gathering light and directing the light to increase the
illumination level passing through the crystalline lens and falling
on a predetermined area of the crystalline lens and/or the retina.
Specifically, the optics include at least one reflective collector
110 that collects ambient light 115 and directs it toward a
transreflective diffuser 120, which transmits ambient light 115 and
reflects forward light from the reflective collector 110. On axis
peripheral light is also collected and directed through a human
pupil P.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a contact lens 170 having a prismatic
light collection 180 in the contact lens. In the illustrated
embodiment, the prismatic light collection 180 comprises a ring of
deck prisms. Other configurations are possible without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a spectacle lens 200 having deflective
optics 210 in the lens 200 to direct a portion of the on axis or
off axis light to a desired peripheral retinal level.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a spectacle lens 230 within a frame 240,
wherein the spectacle lens 230 features radiation sources.
Specifically, the spectacle lens 230 includes an electromagnetic
radiation source 250 comprising a ring of LEDs that directs one of
its on axis or off axis light to a desired retina area of the
wearer's eye. The frame 240 comprises power source 260 for powering
the LEDs 250, an antenna 270 and a controller/processor 280. The
electromagnetic radiation source 250 is designed to have spectral
properties present in solar radiation. One such electromagnetic
radiation source 250 could be omni-directional and placed in the
spectacle lens 230, as depicted. The electromagnetic radiation
source 250 can be circular, as shown, or can be any other geometric
form. In addition, the source 250 may be varied in its position or
width. In this configuration, the electromagnetic radiation is
expected to have undesired effects on the contrast ratio of an
image falling on the central retina. An additional disadvantage is
the cosmetic effect of the appearance of the forward
electromagnetic radiation from the spectacle lens 230. A further
embodiment is configured to limit the electromagnetic radiation
source 250 to a direction toward the wearer's eye.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a spectacle lens 300 having at least one
transreflective element 310 that transmits ambient light 320 to a
wearer's eye E and reflects projected electromagnetic radiation
from an off axis projection source 340 toward wearer's eye E.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a spectacle lens 350 including at least
one holographic reflector 360 in the spectacle lens 350. During
use, an electromagnetic radiation source directed projected
radiation 370 onto the holographic reflector 360, which reflects
the radiation into the wearer's eye. By way of example, the
projected radiation 370 may be provided using an LCOS projector or
laser for directing the projected light 370 to a volumetric
holographic reflector 360 in the spectacle lens 350, which directs
the radiation in a similar manner. Similar to previous embodiments,
one or more of the wavelength or spectral properties, direction,
area and illumination level may be varied. In this embodiment, the
transparent region directing the increased radiation allows a
higher radiation level without occluding any of the peripheral
field of the wearer's view.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a spectacle lens 400 comprising
birefringent spectacle lens optics 410, for the purpose of
gathering light and directing the light to increase the
illumination level passing through the crystalline lens and falling
on a predetermined area of the crystalline lens and/or retina. This
birefringence allows for a high on axis electromagnetic radiation
source which provides the central retinal visual content to be
directed off axis to increase the peripheral light level.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a contact lens 430 comprising fiber
optics 440 for the purpose of gathering light and directing the
light to increase the illumination level passing through the
crystalline lens and falling on a predetermined area of the retina,
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0043] The electromagnetic radiation systems disclosed herein may
be configured to be stable and static. In some embodiments, the
electromagnetic radiation system may be configured to be
programmable and dynamic. An electromagnetic radiation system may
be configured as the sole therapeutic or prosthetic element in an
eye-wear frame, spectacle or contact lens, or the lens system may
be comprised of conventional optical corrections or therapeutic
elements. For example, the spectacle or contact lens may have a
refractive correction. The spectacle or contact lens-borne
electromagnetic radiation system for refractive therapy may also
include components for off-axis defocus optics or higher order
aberration correction or therapeutic structures.
[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, an eye-wear borne
illumination refractive therapy system may be configured in contact
lenses used for corneal refractive therapy to reshape the cornea.
One embodiment features a proximity control technology contact lens
for overnight corneal reshaping comprising a lens with programmable
electromagnetic radiation sources to provide a desired level of
crystalline lens and/or retinal exposure during sleep for the
purpose of regulating the growth of the crystalline lens or a
region of the choroid and sclera underlying the retina.
[0045] In some embodiments of the invention, an eye-wear borne
electromagnetic refractive therapy system may be configured is
spectacle or contact lenses comprising filters intended to modulate
the electromagnetic spectrum. One embodiment features a spectacle
or contact lens comprising absorptive or reflective red-blocking
notch filters. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
present invention intending to provide additive electromagnetic
radiation can be practiced in conjunction with other filters or
rugate coatings for the purpose of modulating the ambient
electromagnetic radiation in a subtractive manner.
[0046] Spectacle frames, spectacle and contact lenses of this
invention having electromagnetic radiation sources can be
configured to have a central zone with conventional correction and
electromagnetic radiation sources that are more than 10 degrees off
the central axis. An electromagnetic radiation source can be more
or less than 10 degrees off axis if it is deflected or reflected
such that the radiation passes through the eye or is directed to a
portion of the crystalline lens and/or the retina, which is
approximately 10 degrees or more from the central retina. The
electromagnetic radiation sources in the contact lens are
configured to be between 1 and 500 microns in their widest
dimension, preferably between 5 and 200 microns and most preferably
between 10 and 50 microns. The electromagnetic radiation sources
are configured to form an annulus to allow circumferential exposure
to the retina.
[0047] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation sources are
individually programmed to provide a different exposure level to
different sectors of the retina for the purpose of modulating the
local growth factors. The electromagnetic radiation sources are
selected for their spectral properties and are configured to
provide a pre-determined direction and area of radiation through
the crystalline lens and on the retina.
[0048] In another embodiment, the spectacle or contact lenses are
configured with a sensor to measure retinal illumination. These
data may be incorporated into a computer program product which in
turn regulates the amplitude, direction, area or wavelength of the
electromagnetic radiation sources in the system.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, the eye-wear borne
electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy system may be
configured in a contact lens having time release of nutraceutical
or pharmaceutical agents. By example, a nutraceutical agent may be
Vitamin D. By example, a pharmaceutical agent may be a muscarinic
antagonist such as atropine.
[0050] Thus, it is seen that devices and methods for eye-wear borne
electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy are provided. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can
be practiced by other than the various embodiments and preferred
embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes
of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is
limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that
equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this
description may practice the invention as well.
[0051] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that may be included
in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the
illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the
desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative
architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to
one of skill in the art how alternative embodiments may be
implemented to achieve the desired features of the present
invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent part names
other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various
parts of the devices. Additionally, with regard to operational
descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are
presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be
implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order
unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0052] Although the invention is described above in terms of
various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not
limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with
which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in
various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of
the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and
whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a
described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments.
[0053] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0054] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should
not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be
present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or"
unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items
linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring
mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read
as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,
although items, elements or components of the invention may be
described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to
be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is
explicitly stated.
[0055] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent.
* * * * *
References